Chelsea's attacking upside remains undermined by defensive chaos

Chelsea’s Alonso-led back-three/3-4-1-2 approach and Palmer-Rogers overloads provide attacking promise, but poor rest defence and midfield protection remain major weaknesses. The Brentford defeat left them with 12 goals conceded in five matches and 10th place; Caicedo, Palmer and João Pedro are key availability questions before Bournemouth, while recruitment links remain unconfirmed.